New Zealand Maritime radio channels set to change on 1 October

by Sail-World.com on 20 Sep 2016 Before you head out on the water next summer there are some important maritime radio changes you need to know about.

On 1 October 2016, New Zealand is changing some maritime VHF repeater channels, and NowCasting weather services, to make space for new international ship tracking and data services, and to make sure our VHF radio services are compatible with the rest of the world.

It is important to note that the existing maritime Channel 16, used for safety, distress and communication, will not change. Maritime New Zealand, the Government agency responsible for safe secure and clean seas in New Zealand, will continue to monitor Channel 16.

There’s no need to change your radio – current radios will be able to access all the available channels after the changes take place. However, you may need to switch to a new channel number to continue to access your local repeater, or to listen to the weather forecast.

For some newer VHF radios that have four digits you will need to add 20 before the new channel to get the weather report. For example, 19 becomes 2019, 79 becomes 2079.

In New Zealand’s coastal waters, maritime radio channels are used for many different purposes, ranging from broadcasting weather information, to providing a way to communicate in the event of emergency.

Changing our maritime channels has been a multi-agency project, involving Maritime New Zealand, Coastguard New Zealand, and Radio Spectrum Management.

Radio Spectrum Management (a business unit of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), is the organisation that manages radio spectrum of behalf of New Zealand, and makes sure that we are in line with the rest of the world.

Coastguard New Zealand uses some of the maritime channels to provide services to their members and help Maritime New Zealand when emergencies occur.

Coastguard uses the maritime channels to broadcast weather information at key locations around the country. It also provides a breakdown service for members if they experience mechanical trouble on the water.

An updated radio handbook and frequency stickers with the new channel information are available from 1 August 2016. To order, and for more information, head to www.retune.co.nz or click here